Chapter 126: Omniscience in Marvel 122
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Title - Joining the SSR
…
Leucadius walked through the corridors of the Strategic Scientific Reserve's R&D wing with a purposeful stride. His impeccably tailored suit and poised demeanor stood out among the casual attire of engineers and scientists immersed in their work.
As he passed through the security doors and entered the inner laboratory, the familiar sight of Dr. Abraham Erskine's workspace came into view.
The doctor was hunched over a cluttered desk filled with documents and scientific apparatus.
"Good evening, Doctor," Leucadius greeted, his voice smooth and commanding.
Dr. Erskine looked up, his face lighting up with a mix of surprise and relief. "Ah, Mr. Hawthorne. What brings you here?"
"Just checking in to see if there's been any recent excitement in your world," Leucadius replied, his eyes scanning the lab with mild interest.
Dr. Erskine nodded and gestured to a stack of files on his desk. "Actually, yes. I believe I've found a particularly interesting candidate for the Super Soldier Serum. His name is Steve Rogers. His files are here."
Leucadius moved closer and began to peruse the documents. Despite his prior knowledge of the storyline, he couldn't help but feel intrigued by the specifics of Rogers' profile. "Fascinating. What makes him stand out?"
'The guy isn't even supposed to be alive, judging from his medical records.' Leucadius thought to himself.
"He's exceptionally determined and resilient," Erskine explained. "His physical condition is...as you can see, quite poor, but his spirit is remarkable. I believe he has the potential to be a perfect candidate, despite his current limitations."
Leucadius nodded thoughtfully. "I see. I'll need to keep a closer eye on this one." Leucadius considered this information, then turned his attention to his butler, Allen, who had quietly entered the room.
"Allen," Leucadius said, his tone shifting to a more authoritative register, "I need you to arrange for me to obtain a military rank that will allow me to stay connected to both Howard Stark and Steve Rogers. It should be a position that grants me the necessary access and influence to observe and influence their developments."
Allen's face was impassive, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of understanding. "Understood, Young Master. I will handle it immediately."
Leucadius gave a slight nod. "Thank you, Allen."
As his butler exited to fulfill the request, Leucadius turned his attention back to Dr. Erskine. "I appreciate you keeping me informed, Doctor. Rogers' profile is indeed intriguing. I'll be keen to see how his journey progresses."
Dr. Erskine gave a nod of agreement. "I'll ensure you receive regular updates. His case is a significant one, and your interest is valued."
Leucadius offered a final smile and made his way out of the laboratory, his mind already working on how best to leverage his forthcoming position to his advantage.
As he walked down the corridor however, he suddenly paused and looked towards a direction.
If anyone saw his actions, they'd think he'd probably gone mad since the area he was looking at was a wall. Yet, he had an expression and gaze that seemed to see pass those and into the far off distance.
"Someone just used the Space Stone…no, it's the Tesseract. The Skull guy, I presume." Leucadius thought to himself before shrugging and continuing on his walk.
It would've been a threat if the Tesseract was activated properly like Loki did, but as it was being used as a battery for some rather archaic technology, it wasn't that much of a threat to the humans yet talk more of him.
Imagine the Space Stone to be some 31st century battery, to Leucadius, the Skull using it was akin to using that kind of battery to power a cell phone from the early 21st century.
Stupid. And that was all.
To the humans of the 21st century, it would be awe-inspiring, but after some time, it'd be "Meh."
…
"Agent Hawthorne…I like the ring of it." Leucadius looked through the documents in front of him before turning to look at Allen. "Did you forget to pick up the overall I asked them for?"
"Forgive me sir, but the SSR said that that wasn't standard Uniform." Allen replied apologetically.
"How does it concern me if it's standard or not? I just need a flowing Overall that I can hang on my shoulders." Leucadius said, annoyance evident in his tone.
Why else would he even think of joining any military if it wasn't to flaunt the same attire the admirals from One Piece always wore?
"Get it ready as soon as possible. Wouldn't want to miss the day the Captain is Born." Leucadius said and pushed the neatly packed clothes down his table.
From the doctor's report, he knew that in less than a month, the final machine needed to properly inject the SSS into Steve Rogees would be completed by Howard.
He'd already been to the secret room of the SSR and was impressed by their secrecy as well as their stupidity. Leucadius didn't even need to use his Telepathy to know that the place was already filled with Hydra Agents.
It wasn't just about their mind, it was something to do with their presence.
It was just…wrong.
Although it bothered him for a bit, he later came to understand that it was due to his nature as God. He could sense the level of faith one had in a certain deity and considering the decline of religion in this era, it was weird to see that level of belief in a human.
"Hah, should I just create one myself? I doubt the tailors could create them as well as I want them." Leucadius thought to himself as he reclined on his chair.
"That means I'll have to use my powers…Nah. Let's just wait." He said and stood up to walk out of his office.
…
"You both are not really thinking about picking Rogers, are you?"
Three men made their way across the SSR's army training grounds, each figure with their own distinct presence.
The first was the general, his stern expression and authoritative stride setting a clear tone for the group and following closely was Dr. Erskine who wore a tired yet resolute expression due to the general's vehement refusal of his test candidate.
(A/N: I can't recall his rank so I'll just give him general.)
The third figure was Lucas Hawthorne, or Agent Hawthorne as he was now known, his attire a striking contrast to the others. He wore a sharply tailored outfit reminiscent of Agent Carter's uniform for men, complemented by a dramatic, flowing overcoat inspired by the admiral's garb from a certain pirate anime
The overcoat billowed slightly with each step, adding an air of grandeur to his already imposing presence.
"I am more than just thinking about it. He's the clear choice." Dr. Erksine said with his German accent as he turned to the third member of their party. "Even our major investor approves, general."
The General in question shot a disdainful glance at the third person who responded with a very polite smile.
"Since it is the creation of the Doctor, he knows the details far more than we lay people. Of Course I'll stand by his decision." Leucadius added.
"When you brought a 90 pound asthmatic onto my army base, I let it slide. I thought; What the hell.' Maybe he'd be of use to you, like a gerbil. I never thought you'd actually pick him." The general continued without giving Lucas another glance.
To him, Lucas was the perfect example of wealth makes right.
Having gone through the Agent's file, he found that he had zero to no training in any army camp or secret service.
He became an agent through connection in hopes that he'd made some stupid contribution that'll put him up there in the social hierarchy.
"Up!" Agent Carter who was drilling the new soldiers ordered and they all went from their push-up position to the jumping jacks.
Seeing Rogers flail his arms, "You stick a needle in that kid's arm, it's gonna go right through him." The General said. "Look at that. He's making me cry."
"I believe the doctor is looking for qualities that goes beyond the physical, General. As I said earlier, he is the creator of the Serum, hence, he knows it best." Leucadius said immediately. He didn't particularly like the way the general was talking but he understood his worries.
He was a soldier first and foremost, and to him, one's physical stat determined how far they could go on the field.
However, as though finally finding a reason to talk down on Leucadius, the general paused and walked up to his face. "Do you know how long it took to set up this project?"
Leucadius merely shrugged without looking away. His eyes matching the general's intensity.
"All the grovelling I had to do in front of Senator What's-His-Name's committees?"
"Brandt. And yes. I am aware."
"Of course you would." The general said and turned to Erskine who nodded.
"I know and I'm aware of your efforts." The Doctors said.
"Then throw me a bone. Hodge passed every single test we gave him. He's big, he's fast. He obeys orders. He's a soldier."
"He's a bully." Dr. Erskine immediately countered.
"You don't win wars with niceness, Doctor." The general said and walked over to a truck filled with grenade and picked one. "You win wars…with guts." He said, unhooked it and threw it into the group of trainees. "GRENADE!!"
The scene that followed was what was to be expected of humans who happened to be soldiers as all of them went to find cover…All except two.
Well, one to the eye of the two old men, two to Leucadius.
Other than Rogers who threw himself at the grenade, Agent Carter was only behind by…at most two steps. An indication that she too, would've thrown herself at the grenade to save the group.
Leucadius noted this but kept silent as Rogers finally realised it was a dummy grenade. "Is this a test?"
The General, at a loss for words, looked at Erksine. "He's still skinny."
And while Dr. Erskine nodded at Steve and left, Leucadius winked before walking up to Agent Carter. "Ms. Carter, I presume?" he said, his voice smooth. Peggy turned, her sharp gaze meeting his with curiosity and a hint of suspicion.
"Indeed. And you are?" she asked, her tone professional yet guarded.
"Ah, where are my manners?" Leucadius extended a hand, his smile widening. "I'm Lucas Hawthorne, or as I prefer, Agent Hawthorne. I've recently joined the SSR in a capacity that aligns with your work. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Peggy regarded his hand briefly before shaking it firmly. "Agent Hawthorne. I've heard a bit about you. What brings you to our 'corner' of the world?"
Not minding the jab in her words, Leucadius replied "Primarily to lend my support and observe the fascinating work being done here, and I've been quite impressed by the developments and the dedication of your team. I look forward to contributing and collaborating on any future projects."
Peggy raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "Well, we always welcome capable hands. I hope your presence proves as beneficial as you anticipate."
Leucadius chuckled softly. "I'm confident it will be. Until then, I'll be around, getting acquainted with the extraordinary work of the SSR."
…
Leucadius POV
How interesting.
This feels much more interesting than creating a kingdom and ruling it for ages doesn't it?
The freedom to act within the confines of the Storyline without fear of messing with it. I find it much more alluring than anything.
The most interesting part of all this is…I haven't even used any supernatural abilities yet.
With just a few minor groundworks back then, I hold one massive sway on whatever happens on Earth.
Ah, this night should be the night the doctor would visit Steve. Hmm, should I join in too?
Nah. That'll be troublesome. I'll have all the time to do so when he officially joins the army.
Wouldn't that be interesting?